Page 37 of Bryson

"Please behave."

"Oh, darling, I'll be on my best behavior."

And he was. To her amused surprise, he charmed Barbara, exclaiming over the décor and the stunning artworks on the walls. He made a further impression by admiring the delicate glassware she had spent years collecting. She was so pleased with him; she made a point of asking if there was anything special he wanted for supper.

"I've instructed one of the maids to unpack your things and put them away. There's also a tray ready to be taken up to your room."

"Barbara, darling, what a treasure you are."

Julianne watched as the woman pinkened, her smile coming readily.

"Thank you. We've put you in the coral suite. If it's not to your liking, please let me know."

Taking her hands, Brian pressed them gently. "I'm sure it's perfect. The place is stunning."

"I will see you at supper," she told him with a pleased smile.

"You're good," Julianne murmured as they made their way up the spiral staircase.

"The best," he cheerfully concurred. "Why don't you step into my coral suite and check out the dress?"

With a laugh, Julianne realized how much she had missed his sharp wit and how happy she was that he had come.

"God! Just looking at him makes me exhausted. Doesn't he slow down?" Even though he had been slightly derisive about the airs his hostess had been putting on, the room was indeed a delight. And it was aptly named. The coral was a lovely splash of color inside the impressive room. Deep-cushioned chairs faced the bed, with the closet doors thrown wide open to reveal shelves. The bathroom was of particular delight, and he promised himself that as soon as he was able, he would take advantage of the quaint and charming claw-footed bath.

"Not if he can help it." Julianne wandered over to the window to gaze out at the magnificent sight of her man handling a very spirited mare. He had tied his hair back into a stubby ponytail and had removed his denim jacket. He was sweating, the long-sleeved plaid clinging to his chest and broad shoulders.

With a sigh, Brian shook his head. "I don't need to ask about the sex. That man seems able to handle anything. Look at the ass on him."

"Watch it!" Julianne warned, poking him in the ribs. "I'm the only one who's supposed to be admiring that part of him."

"Honey, with a man who looks like that, you'd better be prepared to have men and women admiring the package." He grinned at the look she cast him. "He's gorgeous."

"And all mine."

"Yes, he is." He took another pleasurable minute admiring Bryson before dragging Julianne towards the padded sofa. "Now tell me everything that's been happening since you got here." Pulling the tray towards them, he offered her iced tea while he chose a very yummy-looking pink and white heart-shaped pastry and bit into it with delight. "Lord, this is sinful. How do you eat the food and still look like a scarecrow?"

"You're forgetting that I'm pregnant and my eating habits are contrary." She chose a tiny crustless cucumber sandwich and bit into it.

"I keep forgetting that you're knocked up. You're still not showing."

"Which is a blessing, considering the dress is so form-fitting. A little more room would have been helpful," she complained.

"And spoil the shape of that exquisite dress? Not likely. Now dish."

Dinner was a delightful affair with Brian carrying on most of the conversation. Bryson had called to apologize that he would not be able to make it back in time.

"But I'm sure I won't be missed," he said half-teasingly. "You and your friend have a lot of catching up to do."

"We do, actually. But that does not mean I won't miss seeing your darling face at the table."

"I'll make it up to you later," he promised.

Brian had several outrageously funny stories that he paraded out to keep them entertained. He commented on the excellent cuisine and admired Barbara for running a very efficient household. To Julianne's further surprise, she realized the woman had dressed with special care for supper and primped and preened when Brian admired her winter green pantsuit.

Beside her, wearing a simple blue-and-white striped dress, Julianne could not help but feel slightly frumpy.

They lingered over dessert and coffee, with Julianne having tea. When she excused herself, expecting that Brian would do the same, she was told to go on up without him.